#ProcessedMeats

A growing body of research is sounding an alarm about an everyday food found in countless Thai and international dishes: processed meats. According to the latest analyses, including a fresh report published in May 2025, regularly eating foods like bacon, sausages, ham, hot dogs, and certain deli meats can significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer—particularly when consumed daily. This comes at a time when doctors are witnessing a shocking trend: younger patients, some as young as 16, now being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a disease once considered exclusive to older populations. The implications of these findings could shift how Thais approach their diets and long-standing culinary traditions reliant on processed meats.

High cholesterol often bears a negative reputation, but it’s not all detrimental to health. Essential for nutrient synthesis such as Vitamin D, cholesterol becomes hazardous when it accumulates excessively, potentially leading to artery-clogging plaque. This condition significantly raises the risks of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. While some risk elements like age and genetic predispositions remain beyond control, diet and lifestyle choices do offer pathways to better management. According to nutritionists, cutting down one major food item could substantially mitigate high cholesterol risk: processed meats.

A recent study underscores the importance of dietary changes in managing cholesterol levels, shedding light on processed meats as a critical factor. In a world where cholesterol often conjures images of heart disease, it’s essential to understand its dual nature. Cholesterol, a fat-like substance, plays vital roles, from hormone production to cell building. However, when low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, accumulates excessively, it leads to health risks like heart attacks and strokes.

In a world where fast food and convenience often dictate our dietary choices, the recent report from EatingWell highlights a crucial consideration for those concerned about cholesterol levels: limiting processed meats. High cholesterol is a well-known contributor to heart disease, a leading cause of death globally, with significant implications for public health in Thailand and beyond. According to dietitians, processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and even seemingly healthier options such as deli turkey and ham are primary foods to restrict to mitigate cholesterol risks.